The 2023 Biology Summer School has been updated to offer three days of hands-on, practical work aimed at BGE, National 4 and National 5 Biology, with a touch of Higher! This programme will be particularly beneficial for recently qualified teachers of Biology, who may have already attended the SSERC Science Probationer Residential course. Practical work will be supported by contributions from external partner organisations.
Combined with opportunities for professional networking, the Summer School offers participants a rich and vibrant programme that will enhance learning and teaching within their centres, providing a way to keep up to date with subject-specific developments.
The course is aligned to the GTCS Standards for Full Registration and the National Model for Professional Learning.
The course will be held at SSERC, Dunfermline with overnight accommodation provided locally. The Course Fee of £600 includes meals, accommodation and course materials.
Local Authority schools and FE colleges will be entitled to receive an ENTHUSE Bursary of £480 per delegate upon completion of the course. This grant is administered through the National STEM Learning Centre.
The Summer School will include a day visit to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.
Dates: 20-22 June 2023
Closing Date: 26 May 2023
Course Leader
Annie McRobbie
01383 626070
Annie.McRobbie@sserc.scot
Cost
£600.00
Funding
ENTHUSE Subsidy – £480.00
The programme will include:
- Microscale biology
- Experiments using immobilised yeast
- Enzyme studies, including new protocols involving pectinase and beta-amylase
- Practical activities to support outdoor learning, sustainability and ecology
- Using immobilised algae to investigate photosynthesis
- Using BBC Micro:bits to support learning in Biology
- Microscopy studies
- Transpiration
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- demonstrate an enhanced portfolio of ideas for practical work across senior phase biology courses
- use a wider variety of teaching strategies to promote learning in science including demonstrations and scientific enquiry
- exemplify the importance of contemporary science and its applications in the context of the curriculum
- network with fellow professionals and explore mechanisms for ongoing support
- understand the range of opportunities within the wider STEM engagement portfolio which SSERC offers
- evaluate their own professional learning and its impact on learners
The course will be held at SSERC in Dunfermline. Our SSERC buildings are at 2 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU. SSERC is a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Rosyth railway station and close to the end of the A823(M) spur off Junction 2 of the M90 motorway. Car journey times (approximately): Edinburgh – 30 min; Glasgow – 60 min; Aberdeen – 2.5 hours; Inverness – 3 hours.
Overnight accommodation is provided at a local hotel.
